Britain’s monetary system is the pound Sterling (£). There are 100 pence (written as “p”) to a pound. Colloquially, pounds are also referred to as “quid.” Scotland issues its own pound notes, but English and Scottish money is interchangeable. Coins come in denominations of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p. Banknotes are issued in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50.
In Scotland, ATMs usually offer the best exchange rates. Avoid exchanging money at commercial exchange bureaus and hotels, which often have the highest transaction fees. You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches, as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, in shopping malls, and some post offices.
Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.
Major Change in Credit Cards
Chip & PIN is the system adopted in Scotland and the rest of Britain for the use of credit and debit cards, and with which the user inserts the card into a machine and enters a PIN number. American chip cards don’t usually require a PIN, just a signature, but you should have no trouble using these cards in Scotland. Contactless credit cards are also widely used in Scotland; with these, the user simply holds the card near the terminal. However, unless your card is equipped with contactless technology, you will not be able to use it with these terminals.
Warning: Some establishments in Scotland might not accept your credit card unless you have a computer chip embedded in it.
What Things Cost in Edinburgh (U.K.£)
Airlink bus into the center of Edinburgh: 4.50
Average bus fare within Edinburgh: 1.70
Double room (expensive): 180.00
Double room (moderate): 120.00
Double room (inexpensive): 60.00
Dinner (expensive): 40.00
Dinner (moderate): 20.00
Dinner (inexpensive): 12.00
Average price of a drink in a nightclub: 4.00
Average cover charge at a nightclub: 5.00–12.00
Average theatre seat: 15.00
Average movie ticket: 12.00
Admission to Edinburgh Castle: 18.50
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
